Quick links
- Please sign up for our town centre works e-newsletter, which will be sent regularly when works get underway.
- Read the construction plan.
- Visit the Farnham town centre frequently asked questions page.
Project update - Riverside Walk improvements
Improvement works on Riverside Walk between Brightwells Yard and the Riverside car parks are due to start towards the end of January 2025 and last for about 11 weeks.
The footpath will be closed for the duration of the works – people who usually use the path should use the recommended walking route by exiting the carpark onto Mike Hawthorn Drive, turn left onto Dogflud Way, turn left onto East Street and then left onto South Street to continue your journey.
These improvements will widen and resurface the existing footpath and add landscaping and new lighting. The result will be a shared use pathway for pedestrians and cyclists, featuring a hard surface for enhanced accessibility. This upgraded pathway will make it more enjoyable and easier for residents to move to more sustainable and active ways of travel by making it easier to Park and Stride from the Riverside car parks to the town centre.
Works on the section of pathway between Brightwells Yard and South Street will take place at a later date.
Construction plan
A preliminary phasing plan has been developed by the project delivery team – including our contractor, Ringway. This plan will be continuously reviewed and is subject to change throughout the construction works. This will ensure it remains fit for purpose throughout the delivery of the improvements and minimises disruption to Farnham town centre.
As the project progresses, more information will be uploaded for each phase. Detailed information will be sent to residents and businesses directly impacted by the works in advance of each phase. Read the construction plan.
What's planned?
There will be roadworks in the town centre from early 2025 until late 2026.
- Roads and pavements are being resurfaced and upgraded
- Wider pavements - wherever possible - will give more space for shoppers, planting and seating, as well as loading bays
- Drivers will be able to turn right at the bottom of Castle Street
- There will be two-way traffic at the bottom of Downing Street so drivers can travel both ways to the Waggon Yard car park
- Controlled crossings and raised tables will make it safer to cross roads
- South Street will be resurfaced
You can see a map of the proposed changes: Farnham town centre improvements draft illustrative plan November 2024 (PDF).
If you have any questions, please send us an email.
Travelling around Farnham during the works
- There will be changes to bus services during the works. Information will be posted on the Temporary changes to bus services for road closures page.
- There are also improvements to walking and cycling in Farnham and the town centre – see updates on the Farnham Infrastructure Programme walking and cycling page. This includes an upgrade to Borelli Walk, which is due to begin in late 2024. You can also visit the Surrey County Council cycling and walking advice page.
Background
The town centre is the historic heart of Farnham. It has a dynamic economy with high quality retail, food and drink venues, and a unique heritage with the castle, conservation area, deer park and craft town status.
However, its road layout is outdated and congested. The dominance of roads and vehicles negatively impacts the ability to travel easily, safely, and enjoyably around the town centre on foot and by bus or cycle, resulting in a less pleasant environment and a diminished sense of place.
The works in Farnham aim to:
- improve the quality of public areas
- reduce the dominance of motorised traffic, which contributes to poor air quality, noise pollution and congestion, by major changes to the town centre layout
There was a public consultation on two proposals to update the town centre road layout in summer 2022. This was discussed at the Farnham Board in December 2022 Farnham Board - visit the meeting page.
Updated options for the town centre were presented to the Farnham Board in March 2023. You can watch previous meetings on the Farnham Town Council YouTube page. There was also a consultation in late 2023 under the Waverley parking review.
Files available to download
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Farnham town centre improvements draft illustrative plan November 2024 (PDF)
Map of Farnham town centre which shows where proposed changes will be made, which are part of a traffic regulation order consultation.